Protein and Athletic Performance

I would like to become a vegan, but my problem is a good source of
protein. I go to the gym every day and I eat whey protein before and after
my workout.

What can I eat to replace the whey protein?

Best Regard,

Don't Wanna be Wimpy

Dear Don't Wanna be Wimpy,

If you would like to become a vegan, then it is all there for the taking!
No matter how often I discuss plant-based sources of protein in my column,
the protein questions just keeps on coming. Sadly, we live in a culture that
is bordering protein obsessed. Protein is an important constituent in our
diet, yet does not need to come from a miserable, disease-stricken animal.
As a vegan, if I were playing word association with 'cow', my initial
response would not be 'protein' or 'beef', but instead 'herbivore'!

We have become indoctrinated into a system of misinformation regarding
good sources of protein. We are raised on certain foods, derive comfort from
them, and as we get older we continue the pattern without questioning it.
And we usually go on to feed our children similar foods, with the belief
that it will provide health and proper nutrition. When I became vegan, it
was purely an ethical pathway I chose. I simply could not support the
horrors behind my food production, and honestly was not even considering my
own health. My body went through an adjustment. I was craving food that was
not healthy, and I also had no support system. I didn't know any vegans, I
knew of no online sources, and just had to figure everything out on my own.
However the good news, is that today it truly has never been easier. Just
over the past few years, we have made leaps and bounds in terms of choices
in restaurants, supermarkets, books in the library, and online help. It is
still a journey, and I am constantly learning. Yet the science is clear.
Consuming a plant-based diet is the best thing you can do for yourself, the
animals, and the planet.

Plant based sources of protein abound! There is protein at every turn!
Even the American Dietetic Association has a webpage all about athletic
performance and building muscle on a plant-based diet: Build Muscle, No
Steak Required:
http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6442463961.

Here are some examples of vegan foods with high sources of plant protein:
Tofu and Tempeh, Beans/Legumes, Whole Grains like Quinoa, Nuts & Seeds

When it comes to your whey protein, please consider exactly what you are
consuming and what you are supporting. Whey protein is cow milk derived. Cow
milk is acidic, and the countries which consume the most dairy have the
highest rates of osteoporosis. At the expense of the calcium in our bones,
the acidity is neutralized. People who consume animal protein (all forms are
acidic) have measurable levels of calcium excreted in their urine, in linear
fashion. In other words, the more they consume, the more calcium they loose.

And the answer is not to take calcium supplements, but to simply abstain
from animal protein in the first place. Cows are mammals, and just like
humans- produce milk for their babies. When you consume whey protein or any
other type of cow milk product, a baby is denied the nutrients that were
intended for him (or her). Cows are impregnated annually to keep the milk
flowing, and the babies and mothers are sadly separated. When a cow's peak
milk production years are over, she is all of 3 or 4 years of age- a
teenager! They can live to be 20, but are sent to slaughter instead to
become hamburger. These animals lead wretched lived- impregnated
artificially, left standing in a dark concrete stall and are in a constant
state of grief over their babies. They have strong bonds with their
children, and mourn their losses- just like you and I. Mechanical milking
can lead to open sores and trauma, thus accounting for the blood and pus
consistently found in milk, permitted by the FDA. The dairy industry is
truly one of man's cruelest inventions.

Although it is not necessary to take
a protein supplement to build muscle, there are numerous healthy, delicious
alternatives to whey protein powder. Try Sun Warrior, Vega, Nutribiotic Rice
Protein, or Nutiva Hemp Protein Powder.

You certainly will not miss it, and in fact will lead a much healthier
and emotionally fulfilling life when you leave the cruelty behind!

Health Position and Disclaimer

We began this archive as a means of assisting our visitors in
answering many of their health and diet questions, and in encouraging them to
take a pro-active part in their own health. We believe the articles and
information contained herein are true, but are not presenting them as advice.
We, personally, have found that a whole food vegan diet has helped our own
health, and simply wish to share with others the things we have found.
Each of us must make our own decisions, for it's our own body. If you have
a health problem, see your own physician.

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